Monday, December 31, 2012

I took a class my senior year based on visual advertising and for my final 10 page paper, I researched and assessed the Tommy Hilfiger 2011 holiday ad campaign. It was such a fun ad campaign and it was really interesting to see what influenced the campaign.

Well, it is the last day of 2012 and the holiday season is coming to and end (SO sad), so I thought I would cover Tommy Hilfiger's 2012 ad campaign because it is another fabulous addition to years past.

Fall 2012. Love the muted colors and the ever present woody in the background!

I love the whole ski vibe they have going. Look at all of those models... they really wear it well, don't they?!

I have to admit, I don't shop Tommy Hilfiger... ever. In fact, I think I only own a skirt by TH that I got as a gift many years ago. I just checked out TH and found some great pieces.

What do you think of Tommy's ad campaigns and clothing? Have a fabulous day and a very fabulous New Years Eve. Please be safe and make smart decisions!

Friday, December 28, 2012

Bloggers/readers, I need your opinion again!!! You were all so helpful with my original boot decision so I have come to ask for help again! Who knew winter boot shopping would be so darn stressful!

I tried the Sorel Joan of Arctic boots on at Nordstrom and while I could definitely see the potential warmth, I felt that they were a little too over the top and too much boot for me. However, I still love the way they look...just not for me!

I completely discounted the Hunters, although that is what cCm chose. I didn't think they would provide the warmth that I was looking for; but like the Sorels, I love the way they look.

Ultimately, I ended up purchasing....

The L.L. Bean 8" GoreTex/Thinsulate. My though process was that they are the ultimate classic winter boots and will last me forever. The more you wear them, the comfier and cozy they become. Plus, L.L. Bean guarantees the boots and you can send them in for any repair. Money well spent in my book. I also think that they look really cute with skirts. The GoreTex provides the most warmth and the Thinsulate makes the boot completely waterproof. The salesman at L.L. Bean assured me that the GoreTex provides more warmth than the shearling... and another plus of the GoreTex is that the tongue is attached, whereas the tongue is detached on the shearling version. I also purchased shearling foot-beds for the boots for extra warmth.

Now here is the dilemma. I love the classic look of the above boot. However, now I am thinking that I need the 10" instead. But the 10" only comes in brown on brown (they didn't carry either in the store for me to try on).

The top boot is the 10" shearling lined and the bottom boot is the 10" GoreTex.

I don't mind the all brown when looking at them but trying to actually wear the all brown 10" boots with black (such as black leggings or tights) would really clash. Should I stick with the 8" or go with the 10"?! This is just something I can't seem to make my mind up about! Thanks for all of your comments and help already; I really appreciate it. Have a fabulous day!

I was cleaning out my handbag last night when I realized I have been carrying around far too many products. In fact, just the other day, I was in Sephora and I reached the VIB beauty insider level... that's when you know things have gotten out of hand!!! Now that Christmas is over, I thought I'd give a makeup update on products I have tried recently.

If there is one thing I have learned, if there is a makeup product that you love, buy several (aka "stockpile") because for some reason, makeup companies love to discontinue products and make things limited edition. For example, my beloved $9 Maybeline pulsating mascara... discontinued. Luckily, I had purchased about 6 tubes. However, a few months ago, I ran out. I found a new product that I think works just as well (and I bought another 6 tubes). It is the L'Oreal Voluminous Fiber Lash. At $9, this stuff does the trick. I never bother with fancy mascaras or pricey versions because I go through it so quickly. My requirements for a good mascara:

This BareMinerals eye shadow compact is fabulous. The colors are great, but the fact that the little pots snap in and out makes it even better. I use the whole set at home when I am sitting at my vanity, but there is one color that I love so I snap it out for travel or throwing into my handbag (can't seem to find it online, but it is in BareMineral stores!).

I purchased a few more products from Sephora that I will highlight next week... or else this post would be a novel! What products are you loving? Have a fabulous day!

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Yesterday, we got hit with a winter wonderland. It was truly the best. I love the snow. I love skiing. I love bundling-up, fires, hot beverages, lots of blankets and anything else that comes with snowy weather. I don't think I am alone when I say that I really don't like cold feet... I mean who does?

Well... the 6" L.L. Bean boots are not cutting it here in Pittsburgh. We need to bring out the big guns boots. I am debating between several pairs and I need your help...

To be honest, I really don't care what they look like (yikes... I never thought I'd say that). I honestly just want them for function and practical reasons that will keep my toes nice and toasty. Which pair do you have and do you like/dislike them? What do you recommend? Have a fabulous day!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

"But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." "

Monday, December 24, 2012

Friday, December 21, 2012

I guess I have to mention the whole thing about the world ending today. Well... if yoe have held off your holiday shopping because you thought there was a chance it might end... it hasn't. You better start shopping because you only have 4 more days!

I posted about how I really only have one thing on my Christmas list this year. Remember what it is?! But, I also had a few random requests from family members and one request was a Sephora gift card. I love getting Sephora gift cards because I don't like spending much on make-up. I think they any girly-girl can appreciate it. I think it's tons of fun trying out new products

I keep my make-up routine pretty simple... in the mornings, it takes me about 10 minutes to apply everything. I first apply a light moisturizer, add concealer where needed, brush powder over my entire face, a sweep of bronzer in the winter, swipe some blush and apply some mascara. Simple, easy, and quick is the way I like it.

Well, above is what I plan on purchasing with my gift card (fingers crossed that this doesn't sell out!!). This is a great gift for anyone that is doing any last minute shopping... Just head on over to your Sephora store and pick it up. I love the YSL golden gloss. It has real flecks of gold in it (which is a little ridiculous and extravagant but hey, you need a little extravagance every once in a while). I have never tried any of the other products in this set, but am looking forward to it. I have heard that the Touche Eclat works wonders.

Some of my other picks from Sephora for the last minute shoppers (ahem, boys)....

Any other Sephora suggestions or products you love? Let me know... I'm always looking to try something new! Have a fabulous day!

Thursday, December 20, 2012

I love Pinterest and Tumblr as much as the next gal. There are some really fantastic images that inspire me. However, while the images are pretty, most are not practical. At all.

For example, the gold bangles in the top picture... I love the bold statement, I love the look, but how annoying would they be jangling on your wrist all day? Try typing on a computer with all of those bangles or putting a coat over those pretties.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Rarely do I save pictures from Pinterest or Tumblr. Sure, I'll re-pin, re-blog but rarely save them. This is one of the few that I have saved. I love the look of her perfectly coiffed hair, oversized handbag, statement necklace, modest dress, and oversized sunnies.

I searched around for items that would recreate the look and think I found some great pieces. What do you think? I am definitely going to try and recreate this look. I will post pictures when I do! Have a fabulous day!
Yours,

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

I'm not a shoe girl. If you've been reading Summer Wind for a while, you already know this. For a girl who isn't a "shoe girl", I admit that I have many pairs of shoes. However, I really favor and switch between about 3 pairs.

I don't fare well in heels. I am either really sensitive to foot pain or I have some sort of foot issue where my feet just can't handle heels. I really envy the women who can trot around in heels all over the city...especially those who are on their feet more than others. It's a shame because I have so many cute pairs of heels that I just look at. Sometimes I try to wear them, and usually, I don't even make it in the door to work before I switch into flats.

My favorite pairs of shoes are:

1. Black Talbots flats. I have had them for a few years now and they are about to bite the dust. Unfortunately, Talbots doesn't make the shoe anymore. They are so comfortable and have a cute black bow at the toe. If you can't tell, I am a Talbots junkie. Their shoes are so darn comfortable.

2. In the fall, I wore the Target Madge flat in orange frequently. They are SO comfortable. They are a basic ballet flat and not real suede, so they will only last you a season or two, but for $20, why not?!

3. My Ferragamo varinas are a recent acquisition (mine are Lava). I have loved them for as long as I can remember, but the price tag was just not justifiable for a college student that ruined shoes every other day. Now, I have made a pair mine and I wear them everywhere. They are literally the absolute perfect flat and very comfortable. I like to refer to them as my "big girl shoes".

4. Other than the top three I have mentioned, I switch between my LL Bean riding boots, my cowboy boots, black Jack Rogers flats and black Tory Burch revas.

I actually don't need a new pair of shoes at all, however, I am in the market for a pair of the perfect gold or nude flats... something neutral that would go with anything...especially Lilly shifts (any suggestion PLEASE let me know!!!). I have been browsing a while now and just happened to stumble onto Sperry's website. I really never visit their website, because I just know them as a boat shoe supplier. However, they have some pretty darn cute flats!

I am obsessed! You can scroll through to see my favorites but the first pair remind me SO much of the Ferragamo pair that I posted about back in July! They are all reasonably priced and have the good quality that you can expect from Sperry. I am impressed.

Have you shopped Sperry's other lines of footwear? Have a fabulous day!

Monday, December 17, 2012

It is tradition for our family to go to Christmas Eve mass. After mass, we return to our house and family and friends come over for a big celebration. It is one of my favorite parties of the year... lots of hors d'ouevres and bubbly!

Per tradition, cCm, my mom and I always get dressed up for mass. I'm not going to spoil the outfit I am wearing, but will show some inspiration for my outfit!

Several months ago, People Magazine published an entire issue featuring Jackie O. I spied her in this gorgeous yellow silk maxi skirt.

You know how I have a thing for green (see post here)? I fell in love with this girl's maxi skirt while browsing Tumblr (not so much her stomach showing).

And then to top it off, I spied Troy Polamalu's wife in a gorgeous green maxi skirt.

Can you guess what I will be wearing come December 24th? What are you wearing Christmas Eve? What is your Christmas Eve tradition? Have a fabulous day!

Sunday, December 16, 2012

“Twas’ 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38 when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven’s gate. Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air. They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there. They were filled with such joy; they didn’t know what to say. They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day. “where are we?” asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse. “This is heaven” declared a small boy. “We’re spending Christmas at God’s house”. When what to their wondering eyes did appear, but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near. He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same. Then He opened His arms and He called them by name. And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring those children all flew into the arms of their King and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace, one small girl turned and looked at Jesus’ face. And as if He could read all the questions she had He gently whispered to her, “I’ll take care of mom and dad. “then He looked down on earth, the world far below He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe, then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand, “Let My power and presence re-enter this land! “May this country be delivered from the hands of fools” “I’m taking back my nation. I’m taking back my schools! “Then He and the children stood up without a sound. “Come now my children let me show you around. “Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran. All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can. And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight, “in the midst of this darkness,” I AM STILL THE LIGHT.”

Friday, December 14, 2012

It's no secret that I love Vampire Weekend. I remember their first album came out when I was in high school and I had it on repeat for weeks. I think there are very few bands that you can put on no matter what mood you are in and no matter the season. Dave Matthews is the only other "listen at anytime" music that I can think of on the top of my head.

I was listening to my VW playlist the other night on my hour commute home from work and I was realizing how much I love the lyrics to the songs too. Their music puts me in a great mood and reminds me of summertime. Here are my favorite lyrics from different VW songs!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

The holidays are right around the corner. Have you finished your shopping yet? I am nearly done, thank goodness! We are down to the wire with Christmas less than 2 weeks away, but here are some Etsy items that I have on my wish list....

This adorable notepad will make jotting down notes and making lists a lot more fun!

I need a new 2013 desk calendar and I am in love with this calendar from Esty boutique, Barefoot Decor.

I have always had a thing for a calling card. It's similar to a business card but just has your personal information. It's so "old school" and ladylike. With letterpress and a Tiffany blue hue, you can't go wrong!

I've seen the monogram home button idea floating around Pinterest and Tumblr for a while now, but have yet to try it out. It's a little much, but at the same time, I love it. Plus, the decals are super inexpensive, so why not?!

I love needlepoint and this kit is great... and this is about as crafty as I get. For $14.50, you can make your own needlepoint key fob which is a lot less than Smathers and Branson or Tucker Blair!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

I am all about schedules and routines. Routines and schedules. I remember disliking the first week of classes at JMU because I didn't have a set routine. It took at least a week to figure out who you would eat with and when and where, when you would have study breaks, coffee breaks and nap breaks (oh boy, I wish I had nap breaks... ohhh college, I miss you so). Then it came down to actually finding the classrooms... and your professors' office (that was a real doozy).

You can even see that on Summer Wind, I am all about routines. 99% of the time I post Monday-Friday, religiously. Each post goes live at 6:00am ET and giveaways are almost always on Monday mornings (hint, hint for those of you who haven't figured that out yet).

I love blogging. I love that I can look back on the past 3 and a half years and see my interests shift and grow. I love that if I wanted to, I can look back to my sophomore year of college and see what I was wearing any given day.

I also love meeting people through blogging. Making connections with people all over the country who have similar interests is rewarding and inspiring.

I realize that blogging is not for everyone. It is a big commitment and requires a lot of time and effort. I get asked the same questions over and over again and one of the most frequently asked questions is "how do you keep it up?".

Well, my blogging friends, here is my list of ways to stay motivated. This list doesn't necessarily just apply to bloggers, you can apply a lot of these ideas and tips to other aspects of life as well...especially for those of you going through finals right now (I hate to admit it, but I even miss finals... I guess I'm nerdy like that!)

Create a great playlist

This all depends on what you're doing. For blogging, I can listen to anything. When it came to studying for finals, I usually depended on Pandora jazz or symphony stations, although, my roommates can vouch that sometimes in September I would have Frank Sinatra Christmas playing. Music keeps me going. Recently, I have been blogging to the sounds of "Gone, Gone, Gone" by Phillips Philiips. It's catchy and I think the lyrics are perfect.

Playlists are also great for people who aren't morning people (aka. ME). I get up super early and have an hour commute each morning. A catchy, upbeat and "fresh" playlist helps me to start my day happy and motivated.

Make a list

Lists on lists on lists is my motto. I like to have a running list of blog ideas. I have one in the notes section of my phone, a "sticky note" on the desktop of my computer and a physical list that I keep in my Lilly planner. In college, I did the same thing. I wrote a daily list of what I had to accomplish. At work I always rely on lists as well. Plus, who doesn't love crossing things off of their lists?!

Read a great quote

There is something about a quote that can really inspire you. I stockpile quotes and then browse through them when I am in need.

Gain some perspective

This is really pertinent for college students going through finals. When you are miserable studying and writing papers at all hours of the day and night, there is a lot of pressure that can make you just want to quit.

As a college student, you are so lucky to be attending college and getting a degree. Some people would give anything to be studying for finals and earning their degree.You have worked hard to get where you are fortunate enough to have such a great opportunity, so why not do the absolute best you can?

Sometimes, I would much rather lounge and watch a movie after work than blog/answer e-mails... I think every blogger out there can attest to this. However, I think about the 880+ past posts I've written and think to myself... I've done it 880 times before, so why stop now?

Take a break

Sometimes, letting your mind wander is when the best ideas come alive. At school, I would watch an episode of a show, have a snack or get some caffeine. Usually, now, my break is dinner (that sounds so boring, yikes!).

Clean

I cannot get motivated or inspired if things are cluttered. I remember at school, mid-study session or paper writing session, I would break out the Lysol wipes and go to town. I once cleaned out my entire t-shirt bin and was known for changing my sheets... constantly. Afterwards, it felt so good and my space felt refreshed. Post-grad, I am always organizing and getting things ready for the next day. Every night right before I go to sleep, the feeling that things are clean/organized and ready to go for the next day has me convinced that I sleep 1000000x better.

These gifts are for the host or hostess with the most-est. Anyone can appreciate a good bar gift! Monograms and sports teams are a great way to make a gift personalized. I have been eyeing the Tuckernuck decanter for a while-- it is too perfect!

I have the Thomas Kelly leggings and top and love them! I get so many compliments each and every time I am out and about! The LuLuLemon sports bra is perfect for the LuLu loving girl-- you can never have too many sports bras. The Nike shorts are perfect for the girl who has everything because you can never have too many norts! Neve Designs is a personal favorite of mine and so perfect for anyone that loves to hit the slopes. Yoga pants are another "you can never have too many". Want to add something extra special to the gift? Add a Tervis to complete the "sport" themed gift!

I'm running out of original guy gifts... my gentleman's gift guide list was just too good last year. Read all of the suggestions, here. I think the political pillows are perfect for the recent grad that needs some decor for his new apartment. The leather and cashmere gloves are another great post-grad gent gift because he needs to keep his hands warm while commuting to work! The Fathead decals are too much fun. I actually thought about getting cCm the Kentucky ones for her dorm, but decided against it. Just maybeee if you live with your guy, stay away from the Fatheads or they might end up in your living room. Yikes!

Have you started your holiday shopping? I am almost completely done and couldn't be happier! Do you have any gift suggestions? Have a fabulous day!Yours,
sCe